Housing industry insights
Advocacy & policy
News & inspiration
Support & guidance
Member perks
Industry insurance
For your business
Apprentices
Building it right
Building materials & products
Managing your business
Managing your safety
Building your business
Other subjects
A rewarding career
Study with us
A job in the industry
Grow with us
Our podcasts
Our initiatives
Get involved
Awards
Awards winners
Industry events
Most popular products
Top categories
For your business
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHousing Industry welcomes priority on residential construction workforce (WA)
Housing Industry welcomes priority on residential construction workforce (WA)
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
HIA WA Executive Director Michael McGowan stated “that the extended subsidy will help alleviate the financial burden on employers investing in the next generation of skilled workers, ultimately boosting housing supply and reducing pressure on housing affordability.
"Combined with fee-free TAFE courses as well as interstate and international subsidies this shows that WA Labor is listening to industry needs and placing a priority on developing a strong skilled residential workforce," said Mr McGowan.
“The GTO Wage Subsidy program has been incredibly successful so far, enabling employers to train more apprentices and equip them with skills that will serve them for a lifetime. This initiative supports businesses by lowering costs, which allows builders and trades to concentrate on training apprentices and building more homes.”
Over the past four years, more than 40,000 Western Australians have started apprenticeships in the construction sector. While this is a promising trend, Mr. McGowan emphasized the need to maintain this momentum to meet the projected demand for skilled workers over the next decade.
“Given the strong demand we need to continue to find ways to attract local, interstate, and international talent to Western Australia to dramatically increase our residential building workforce right around the state.
“Attracting and retaining workers once they are in industry is also vitally important to ensure we have a pipeline of new builders and contractors. WA Labor providing funding to support this development has long term benefits for the state’s building capacity.
“The week has seen the WA Labor Party make several commitments to support those seeking social and affordable housing. Today’s election commitments to support builders and our future trades brings those commitments closer to reality.
“The economic future of Western Australia is extremely positive, however much of that depends on having a skilled workforce capable of delivering on those aspirations. A strong residential construction workforce is essential to housing the future residents of our State,” Mr McGowan concluded.
For more information please contact:
New rules add thousands to the cost of a new home as Tasmania falls years behind on housing
From today, every new home built in Tasmania must meet the full Livable Housing Design requirements. The Housing Industry Association says this adds thousands of dollars to the cost of building a home, at a time when Tasmanians can least afford it.
Rules for managing the risk of falls have changed - are you up to date?
Changes to Western Australia's requirements for managing the risks of falls will commence on 1 October 2026, introducing new expectations for builders, contractors and workers undertaking tasks where there is a risk of falling.
Livable Housing Design: final stage now in force
As of today, 1 October 2026, all new building work in Tasmania, unless exempt, must comply with all requirements of Part H8 Livable Housing Design of NCC Volume Two.
ACT housing approvals slump puts 2030 target under pressure
“The ACT’s housing supply pipeline is weakening, with building approvals in the three months to August halving compared with a year earlier,” said HIA Executive Director ACT and Southern NSW, Geordan Murray.